The legacy of Douglas Tompkins

Editors Note: A year ago today, Douglas Tompkins passed away in a kayaking accident in the Aysen region of Chile near the future Patagonia National Park. In remembrance, the following is excerpted from our special tribute to Tompkins in Issue 10 of Patagon Journal.

By Jimmy Langman

Like the rest of Patagonia, Lago General Carrera in the Aysen region, the second-largest lake in South America, is prone to volatile weather. Powerful westerly winds regularly come in from the Pacific, gather in the Andes, then swoop down to the lake in a full-force gale turning its waters into a veritable ocean. The morning of December 8, 2015, changed drastically so after Doug Tompkins together with five of his friends set out on the third day of an extended kayak trip.

Chile’s threatened rivers

Rivers and wetlands are the veins that carry our lifeblood. Simply put, they allow our existence. In addition to water they provide countless environmental services to humans and other species, among them: food, biodiversity habitat, fibers, medicinal material, fodder for livestock, irrigation for food crops in adjacent lands, construction materials, spaces for recreation and spiritual development, and flood control. People have historically settled along their banks, ranging from small towns to big cities. But today, due to corporate greed and government irresponsibility, many rivers are drying up or under imminent threat.

Chile’s House of Deputies approves Water Code reform

Chile Sustentable - By a vote of 63 in favor, 32 against and 3 abstaining, the plenary of the House of Deputies approved new legislation to confirm water is a fundamental human right. The decision will modify the Water Code in force since 1981, prior to democratic participation in the country.

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